Laboratory automation and liquid handler capabilities have evolved since the mid 1990’s to keep pace with the ever changing scientific landscape. Early application of automation was focused on small molecules and high-throughput screening. Since that time, demands from the scientific community have brought the development of newer technologies and enhanced requirements of automation and liquid handler capabilities. No longer does the “one size fits all” automation strategy work for early and late stage drug discovery. Demands to move towards high-throughput screening with biologics, millamolecules and antibody drug conjugates places new requirements on the automation capabilities. The need for more flexible, adaptable and dynamic automation with smaller footprints and enhanced capabilities has become the norm. Here we describe a transformational approach to evolve from in-house to commercial automation and enable multi-modality capabilities from Hits-to-Leads. Over the past 15 years, the marketplace has grown significantly and in-house solutions have become obsolete. The movement towards non-typical reagents such as, whole blood, primary cells and human matrices has driven our requirement to establish flexible automation. Furthermore, complex assay formats such as high content imaging, flow cytometry and kinetic readouts have pushed demands beyond traditional single mode biochemical and reporter based readouts. We have implemented a fit-for-purpose approach that provides high-fidelity integrated automation to drive HTS while providing connectivity with Lead Optimization through modular flexible systems. We have delivered a fleet based and standardized solution to drive usability, reduce footprint and minimize downtime. Additionally, we have connected bioassay processes with compound informatics to drive closed loop screening capability and deliver screening process efficiencies. This holistic approach has provided state-of-art capability to keep pace with the ever changing demands of the scientific and technology landscape.

Jonathan S. Lippy

Director, Leads Discovery & OptimizationBristol Myers Squibb

Director of Compound Management and Core Automation within the Leads Discovery & Optimization group at Bristol Myers Squibb. Additional responsibilities include leading the Kinome Hits-to-Leads team which provides just-in-time structural activity and liability assessments, mechanism and data analytics support for the BMS Kinase Discovery portfolio. 20+ years drug discovery experience in Lead Optimization, High Throughput screening, Mechanistic Biochemistry and Pharmacology across Kinases, G-protein Coupled Receptors, Nuclear Hormone Receptors and Enzyme target classes. Responsible for leading a 3 year infrastructure strategy resulting in the conversion of in-house automation systems to commercial state-of-the-art automation capabilities at BMS with reduced footprint and increased capabilities across multi-modalities.